Recent articles by Elizabeth Daigneau from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87483577 Elizabeth Daigneau is GOVERNING's managing editor. Why Hemp (Not to Be Confused with Pot) is Making a Comeback http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-why-hemp-is-coming-back.html Hemp – a substance that can't get you high but can be used to make products like paper and plastic – was banned along with marijuana because they have a similar chemical make-up. As states legalize pot, even more are legalizing hemp. Is Hydropower a Renewable Energy or Not? http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-hydropower-renewable-energy.html As states set ambitious goals to increase their use of renewable energies, hydropower could help them meet their goals. But environmental concerns have kept investment in hydropower to a trickle. Sept. 2013 Last Look: California Gov. Jerry Brown’s ‘Unfinished’ Portrait http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/gov-jerry-brown-portrait.html The governor's portrait from his first two terms was so unpopular it was banished to a third-floor stairwell. August 2013 Last Look: Seattle's Ramps to Nowhere http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-last-look-august-2013.html Seattle's so-called "ramps to nowhere" will be torn down in 2014. iTree Calculates the Economic Worth of Urban Canopies Down to the Dollar http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-itree-calculates-trees-economic-worth.html With so many states and localities pruning money from parks and tree-planting programs to balance budgets, a free app helps public officials put a monetary value on the benefits of growing them. Denver’s Making Public Housing Desirable http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-denver-public-housing.html Denver’s newest development will promote healthy living, mass transit and energy efficiency. It also happens to be public housing. Massachusetts Uses Popularity of Environmental Stewardship to Pad Its Bottom Line http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-massachusetts-green-bonds-a-first.html Massachusetts was the first state to offer so-called green bonds to fund environmentally friendly projects. The only thing new about the bonds, though, is the word ‘green’ -- a small addition that may be making the state big bucks. Does Energy Benchmarking Actually Lead to More Efficient Buildings? http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-does-energy-benchmarking-improve-efficiency.html Cities across the country require commercial buildings to track and publicize their energy and water use in an effort to reduce it. A recent report, however, suggests it may not be working. How Milwaukee Became a Center for Water Innovation http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-milwaukee-water-innovation-center.html The world needs water. Milwaukee not only has lots of it, but it also has transformed itself into a hub for water research and technology. Africa Shows the Power of Growing Trees from Seed http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-niger-shows-tree-growing-power.html Storms, disease and the rigors of urban life have caused high mortality rates among trees in the United States. African countries found trees that sprout naturally are more resilient. Chicago’s Battle of the Roofs: Green vs. White http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-battle-of-roofs-chicago.html Two public buildings competed to see which type of roof would reduce their electric bill the most. The result may surprise you. Microgrid Technology Faces Its 1st Big Test http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-microgrid-technology-faces-big-test.html After two storms left nearly 1 million Connecticut homes and businesses without power last year, the state began testing whether small electric grids can provide power even when the main grid loses it. Can Credit-Exchange Programs Clean Up Lakes? http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-can-credit-exchange-programs-clean-lakes.html The concept has been used for the past 40 years as a means of restoring the health of rivers, streams, lakes and oceans -- but it's getting new attention. About Governing Generations http://www.governing.com/generations/government-management/Governing-Generations-The-Project.html Governing is launching a multiple-part series on aging in America. Beginning in September and continuing for the next few months, we're exploring the impact of this generational shift through in-depth stories in the magazine as well as additional data and interactive content at governing.com/generations. Colleges Beef Up Sustainability Degree Programs http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-colleges-beef-up-sustainability-programs.html Nearly 60 percent of all new academic programs or training opportunities in 2011 focused on green careers, which are in demand now more than ever.